Folsom Lake Water Level Today
Real-time water elevation, temperature, and flow data for Folsom Lake, California. Updated daily from USGS.
Water Surface Elevation
Sensor Data UnavailableWater Temperature
50.9° FChilly water. Good for trout fishing, too cold for prolonged swimming.
Folsom Lake Map & Location
GPS: 38.70452778°N, -99.99999999°W
About Folsom Lake Water Level
Folsom Lake is a major reservoir in the Sierra Nevada foothills northeast of Sacramento, California. Created by Folsom Dam on the American River in 1955, the lake serves as a critical water supply for the Sacramento metropolitan area and provides flood protection for the state capital.
With a full pool capacity of approximately 977,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 11,450 acres, Folsom Lake is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Central Valley Project. The lake's water level is one of the most closely watched drought indicators in California, often making national news when levels drop dramatically.
During the 2012-2016 California drought, Folsom Lake dropped to historically low levels, revealing gold rush-era ruins, old bridges, and even remnants of the town of Mormon Island. These dramatic images became symbols of California's water crisis.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is one of the most visited state parks in California, attracting over 2 million visitors annually for boating, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. The lake supports rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, catfish, and kokanee salmon.
Check all California reservoir levels, view Shasta Lake water level, or browse the national dashboard.